Now that Memorial Day weekend is behind us, many businesses are reporting a strong start to the summer tourism season.

Minocqua Chamber of Commerce Director Kim Baltus says business seems to have been higher than usual for the holiday weekend.

“It was definitely up for the businesses that I spoke to. I talked to a couple of different restaurants that said it was their largest Saturday on Memorial Weekend that they’ve ever had. Typically Memorial Day is not the best weekend – but we certainly proved that wrong.”

Snowmobile trails are opening across the Northwoods. Phelps trails open Thursday, and Forest County trails open Friday.

Most Oneida County trails opened Wednesday. Minocqua Chamber of Commerce Director Kim Baltus says wintry conditions this early in the year is a big deal.

“It’s been several years since the trails have been open before the holidays, and a very long time since we’ve been able to really invite tourists to come and spend their holiday vacation hopefully between Christmas and New Years in the Northwoods.”